Sue Edwards

Best enneagram book (I’ve read a lot)

Reviewed: 01-08-25

A white friend of mine said that of the 85 books she read in 2024, this one she would read again, and so I picked it up. Having read MANY enneagram books, I was curious about how the focus of black liberation fit within the realm of the enneagram. I appreciated the analogy of our type being our armor, necessary for our survival, and that instead of focusing on removing all armor, which is the general goal taught in white cis male enneagram culture, to be healthy, her suggestion is to consider at when armor is very necessary, as a part of a marginalized population (woman, black, trans, etc.). After recognizing that need for protection, she asks you to consider when it is NOT necessary, and where/when/how trust, freedom, and joy is possible.

The narrative style of teaching is engaging, and the writing imagery is beautiful. Each type's description gives me a feeling of compassion for each type that I have not felt in past enneagram books. I want to know more about each type, and how their lens looks and feels, and what richness I can gain from seeing their perspective. I can feel familiarity in her stories, and see myself somewhere in each scene that she paints for each type. I can better understand the reason for the armor, and I see the value in the opportunity of removing it, when safe.

The author's narration in the audio book is comfortable, with no vocal fry, and spoken at a slow enough pace to think, but not feel sleepy. I feel like I'm having a conversation with her, not that she is lecturing me.

I will be purchasing the hard copy of this book so that I can go back and find things from each type for reference. I agree that I would like to pick this book up again and again.

I encourage white readers to purchase this gem, as it is not only for the marginalized of society, but does share an insight for the white community to consider.

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